20 years later, Musgrove an All-Star again

This story was excerpted from AJ Cassavell’s Padres Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Joe Musgrove is an All-Star, and deservedly so.

He joined Manny Machado on the National League All-Star team, which was announced Sunday, and Musgrove earned every bit of his selection. In 15 starts this year, he has posted a 2.09 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP.

It’s a triumph for sheer hard work. Musgrove posted an ERA north of four in each of his first four seasons in the big leagues. He resolved to get better -- and then he did.

? All-Star Game rosters

“I’ve always looked at the big picture -- who I want to see myself be when I’m done and where I’m ultimately going to be and the steps that it takes to get there,” Musgrove said. “Just realize that those steps don’t always lead to instant success. Being able to stick it out through the rough times, the bad outings, the bad years, I just know that I’m putting in the work. Eventually, it’s going to start going my way.”

Lately, it’s gone Musgrove’s way. So, yeah, he is going to savor his trip to Dodger Stadium next week.

"It's been a long time since I've been an All-Star at any level," Musgrove said. "I think 9 or 10 years old is the last time. I'm really excited.”

Hold up ... Joe Musgrove hasn't been an All-Star since he was 9 or 10? He's a Major League pitcher with seven years of experience, a 3.78 career ERA, a no-hitter, a World Series ring and loads of impressive accomplishments at the big league level. He wasn't an All-Star ... somewhere?

"Honestly, I can't remember it," the 29-year-old Musgrove said. "It was before I got into high school ball. ... If you're taking the same group of people and taking the best from those people and letting them all play a game -- in that format, I really don't think I've had that since I was 8, 9 or 10."

It should line up perfectly for Musgrove to pitch, too, as he’s scheduled to start Wednesday in Colorado, giving him five days of rest before what should be one inning of All-Star action.

Ever the consummate teammate, Musgrove quickly turned his attention to a couple other right-handers on the Padres' pitching staff who he feels have been All-Star caliber this season -- closer Taylor Rogers and do-everything bullpen arm Nabil Crismatt.

"If I don't throw, I know somebody else gets in, so I wish I could give up my spot to have one of these guys -- get Rog or Nabil in there," Musgrove said. "I really hope it comes down and they end up getting the opportunity.”